A lot of people associate spring cleaning with packing up winter coats and getting rid of things in the house. It’s true, you can declutter messes that accumulated over winter, deep clean the nooks and crannies of the home, or even prepare your yard for warm weather activities. While spring cleaning can improve the overall look of your home, it can also help your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. In this article, we detail how spring cleaning can benefit the mind and body. 

Tips For Spring Cleaning

A lot of people have the goal of cleaning the entire house, top to bottom, back to front, side to side, and back again. The last thing you want to do is overwhelm yourself by attempting to clean the entire house in one day. Instead, start small in one room or area. Perhaps you reorganize your closet and then slowly transition to cleaning windows and shelves in that room. When you go room by room, you will have reorganized and decluttered an entire area before you even realize it. 

Do not tackle the project solo, as that is another way to overwhelm yourself. Involve others, be a family member, friend, or roommate. It is much easier to go after a big task, such as spring cleaning, when you have a little help. Lastly, set a timer because you do not need to dedicate days to the laborious task of cleaning. Dedicate yourself to an hour of cleaning without distractions, including texting or social media, and see how much you accomplish. Take a break and then resume cleaning later. 

Eases Mental And Emotional Stress

The idea of spring cleaning can be stressful in and of itself. Getting it done, however, can be the key to unlocking ultimate relaxation. That is especially true for decluttering, which is a key component of any cleaning session. Mental health experts state that clutter keeps the nervous system on edge. It isn’t just a mess; rather, it is a series of micro-reminders of everything that you have yet to complete. That sensory and cognitive overload can make it hard to relax, but decluttering can reduce those incoming stress signals. That ultimately regulates your mind and body and helps you begin again with ease. 

Reduces Indoor Allergens

A lot of people have seasonal allergies that flare up during spring, especially for those with pollen sensitivities. Pollen can sneak into the house via clothes, shoes, and open windows. That only worsens itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing, and other issues related to pollen allergies. Additionally, many people close windows for cold winter weather, which contributes to the accumulation of dust mites, pet dander, mold, mildew, fireplace residue, and more. For these reasons, spring cleaning can work in your favor. By reducing indoor allergens, you can help minimize your exposure, which can help you avoid unwanted respiratory symptoms. 

Increases Physical Activity

Is spring cleaning the same as doing a high-intensity workout? Not quite, but cleaning (during any time of year) can count toward your daily goal of moderate-intensity physical activity. Examples of cleaning that meet that requirement include vacuuming, mopping floors, dusting, wiping down surfaces, or cleaning windows. In order to keep up with a certain level of activity, consider playing music with a good beat to motivate you. Involving family members can also make it a supportive team effort, making the process more enjoyable and rewarding. 

Promotes Better Sleep

By reducing the presence of allergens, you can reduce allergy symptoms, such as congestion or coughing, that can interfere with sleep. The physical activity of cleaning also helps regulate cortisol and gets rid of built-up anxious energy that can keep you up at night. As mentioned earlier in the article, the stress-relieving benefits of spring cleaning may also contribute to better sleep. When your space is not cluttered, the brain can relax. A chaotic environment can make the brain stay on alert mode, whereas a clean, tidy space can lead to a calm nervous system, which lowers cortisol and promotes more restful sleep. 

Improves Indoor Air Quality

When it is time to clean the house, make sure to open your windows before, during, and after cleaning. Use fans to help circulate air to remove fumes from cleaning products. You can also opt for a long list of non-toxic DIY cleaning products, which you can find on our website or online. Spring cleaning can decrease dust and pollutants, which improves indoor air quality. Enhance your spring cleaning efforts by using an air purifier with a HEPA air filter when you clean. That will aid your efforts to remove indoor and outdoor allergens from the home.

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Spring is just around the corner, signifying longer days and warmer weather. Goodbye darkness and hello sunshine, and cleaning. Yes, spring is a time to absorb more vitamin D, but the blooming flowers mean that it’s also time to deep clean the home. Unfortunately, having a clean and green home is oxymoronic. 

Once you make the commitment to finally spring clean your home, what happens to all those chemicals from the cleaning products you used? Well, they remain in your home, polluting your indoor air and negatively impacting your respiratory system. This is not good news if you or anyone you live with is prone to respiratory infections. Thankfully, having a clean and green home is possible if you use DIY, chemical-free, non-toxic cleaning products. 

This sounds difficult, but it’s actually very easy. In fact, you most likely have a lot of the necessary ingredients in your home. It’s possible to purchase non-toxic cleaning products from reputable companies, but they can cost you a pretty penny. Use the natural cleaning recipes in this article to spring clean your home without leaving any toxins behind. 

7 Non-Toxic Cleaners

DIY Natural Bathroom Disinfectant Spray

The bathroom disinfectant spray in this article has three simple ingredients. You know what they are and understand how they work. There is no need to search the Internet for definitions on ingredients that you can’t even pronounce.

Click here to make the cleaning spray.

DIY Non-Toxic Reusable Cleaning Wipes

There are a lot of problems with disposable cleaning wipes. Besides the fact that they received a “D” health score, they may also contain ingredients that don’t receive sufficient testing for potential health risks. Plus, it’s so easy to make your own that are incredibly eco-friendly.

Click here to make the wipes. 

Zero Waste DIY Citrus Cleaning Spray

Not everybody wants to clean their home with vinegar because the smell can be off-putting. That’s the beauty of using citrus peels to freshen your vinegar-based cleaning spray. Vinegar is a great cleaning agent for windows, washing machines, and more.

Click here to make the cleaning spray.

DIY Homemade Oven Cleaner

When you inhale the fumes from chemical oven cleaners, they can enter the lungs and cause light-headedness, breathing troubles, throat swelling, and even abdominal pain. Fortunately, you don’t have to harm your body if you want to keep your oven clean!

Click here to make the oven cleaner.

DIY Natural Dusting Spray

If you want to clean dust off wooden furniture in your home, all you need is a few natural ingredients. Some argue that a microfiber towel and water does the job, but this doesn’t really clean the surface. If you fall into that way of thinking, that’s perfectly fine, but please understand that using a DIY dusting spray can help repel dust for a lot longer.

Click here to make the dusting spray.

DIY Disinfectant Spray

Some people are loyal to name brand disinfectant sprays. Are they also loyal to polluting their home with toxins? It’s actually much safer and healthier to use a disinfecting ingredient like isopropyl alcohol, but you have to make sure that the alcohol content is 70 percent for proper disinfection. 

Click here to make the disinfectant spray. 

DIY Scented Vinegars For Natural Cleaning

White vinegar is the most acidic of all vinegars, which makes it a powerful cleaning agent. It’s a great ingredient to have if you plan to make a lot of non-toxic cleaning products. Keep in mind that it can be a little powerful for certain surfaces, but you can always dilute it with water. 

Click here to make those scented vinegar cleaners.

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With spring just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about giving your home a good old-fashioned deep clean. If you’re a messy person, you know deep down that, even if it goes against your core beliefs, cleaning needs to happen. It doesn’t have to be a painful experience that involves days upon days of scrubbing, sweeping, and getting rid of things. We’re not saying that cleaning is the most enjoyable experience, but you don’t have to dread it either. There are ways to make spring cleaning work for you.

Many people give advice about spring cleaning, but the general gist is, “Just do it.” Listening to your favorite songs doesn’t make the process easier, but it does make you want to sing and dance, putting you in a better mood. A naturally messy person won’t necessarily be inspired to clean from a song, though. That’s why you need advice from messy people who have risen from the ashes of their own mess and transformed their livings spaces. We gathered those tips and you can continue reading to see what they are. They’ll definitely make spring cleaning your home less painful and a whole lot easier.

Declutter The House

No matter if you live in a studio apartment or four-bedroom house, it’s possible to accumulate clutter. Before you even get out the cleaning spray and the broom, you should get rid of excess clutter. When you have too many miscellaneous junk items and you’re trying to clean and organize, you burn out and get exhausted. The clutter makes it more difficult to organize and to clean. It’s hard to get rid of things, but you’ll feel lighter and happier when you do. Clearing out a space to make room for the necessary things will make spring cleaning a breeze. 

Clean Room By Room

The house is an intimidating beast to tackle when it comes to cleaning. It can be overwhelming and cause a person, who may not be inclined to clean, to give up altogether. The best way to clean a house is to clean room by room. You don’t have to clean all the rooms in one day; rather, focus on a room and complete it before you move to any other part of the home. Cleaning a house takes time, and there’s no reason that you have to rush through it in one go. Take your time and do it steadily. 

Get Everything Off The Floor

A common theme between messy people is that the floor serves as the ultimate miscellaneous drawer. Dirty clothes, wrappers, dust, hats, books, headphones, pens, and all sorts of things find their way to the ground. When you see all of that on the floor, it’s easy to feel intimidated. Before you attempt to clean, get everything off the floor and place the items where they should go. Once everything is in its right place, cleaning will feel more approachable and you’ll have to exert a lot less effort. The important thing is to not put everything on the bed and then put it back on the floor once you’re done cleaning.

Entertain Yourself While You Clean

A lot of people advise putting your favorite show on while cleaning. You’ve watched, rewatched, and then rewatched all the seasons again. More often than not, you end up doing more watching than cleaning. That said, it can be beneficial to listen to podcasts, audiobooks, or music while you clean. They don’t involve visual cues, so your attention can remain on the cleaning tasks at hand. 

Top To Bottom And Left To Right

This tip can be used in conjunction with the room by room tip. Once you select your room and enter it, turn to your left, look up, and start cleaning. Work your way around the room, scanning from top to bottom as you move left to right. Once you finish the perimeter of the room, direct your attention to the floors and the center of the room. The most messy areas tend to be on the perimeter, so this is where you’ll most likely direct the majority of your time and energy. 

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With each passing year, scientists gain more insight to how people can better improve sleep quality. For example, there are many risks associated with indoor air pollution, including effects on sleep and blood pressure. Is using an air purifier overnight the solution hiding in plain sight? Perhaps, but how does running an air purifier nightly affect these aspects of your health? We aim to uncover that in this article. 

How Using An Air Purifier May Affect Sleep

It is possible that sleeping with an air purifier nightly may improve sleep quality and duration. Most of the existing research has focused on air pollution’s effects on sleep apnea. Scientists explain that indoor air pollution can trigger upper respiratory irritation and edema (swelling of body parts). In more recent studies, researchers looked at connections between indoor air quality and sleep in a general sense. The results have been consistent, suggesting that cleaner air quality in the bedroom can improve overall sleep quality. 

A 2023 study found that people who slept with a HEPA air filter, which can remove 99.97% of dust, mold, pollen, and bacteria from the air, slept longer. The subjects also spent more time in bed compared to those who did not use a HEPA air filter. Another report from 2023 found that increasing air flow in the bedroom reduced carbon dioxide concentrations and levels of particulate matter. Basically, particulate matter is a mixture of solid and liquid particles that form microscopic, and potentially dangerous, droplets suspended in the air. 

Researchers attribute air pollution’s effects on sleep to its ability to cause nasal and throat inflammation. It may also trigger oxidative stress, which is a condition that causes tissue and cell damage. 

Air Purifiers Improve Air Quality

An air purifier works to reduce airborne pollutants that lead to poor sleep, among other health issues. They trap or neutralize substances or gasses in the air, and the type of purifier you have may trap these particles or gasses using a specialized filter, ultraviolet light, or electrical charge. Different types of air purifiers address specific indoor pollutants. Indoor air pollutants can come from a variety of sources, but are generally separated into particulate matter or gaseous pollutants. Reducing these pollutants can ultimately help you breathe better, which may lead to better sleep.  

Could A Nightly Air Purifier Affect Blood Pressure?

Regular exposure to air pollution can impair blood vessel function and cause inflammation. It can even raise blood pressure and, over time, increase the risk of adverse cardiac events. Several studies indicate that using an air purifier at night improves blood pressure levels. That is especially true for people living in areas with heavier pollution, for example, high-traffic areas, poorly ventilated spaces, or places prone to wildfires or smog. 

A 2021 meta-analysis examined studies measuring the systolic blood pressure of people living in higher-pollution areas before and after using an air purifier. Researchers monitored people for periods ranging from a week to several weeks. The average result was that using an indoor air purifier significantly reduced blood pressure. 

Another paper from 2024 found that using an indoor air purifier in the primary activity room for one year was linked to a significant drop in diastolic blood pressure in older adults. Researchers note that filtering systems, such as air purifiers, reduce exposure to outdoor and indoor sources of pollution. That ultimately reduces the development or worsening of cardio metabolic disorders, including high blood pressure.

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During the winter months, you tend to spend more time indoors. The drier indoor air can increase the likelihood of catching a cold, especially if an infected person is in the home. Colds happen this time of year, but there are several things you can do to help keep you and your family as healthy as possible. This article highlights five crucial tips to keep your home clean and germ-free throughout the winter. 

Manage Humidity Levels

If you have the heat on, the air is automatically drier. The humidity level in the home may also affect your risk of contracting a virus. In fact, a 2021 study found that moderate humidity levels between 40-60% may reduce the risk of viral transmission and make certain viruses less likely to survive in the air. Very dry indoor conditions may also worsen allergy symptoms, while excessive humidity can promote other allergens, such as mold. The goal is to find that sweet spot, which tends to be below 60% humidity. Typically, a thermostat can detect a home’s humidity level. And if your home’s humidity level drops below 30%, you may want to invest in a humidifier when colder weather arrives. 

Revamp Your Entryway

Do you have a shelf with a bowl of miscellaneous things right by the front door? Perhaps you have a small desk with a drawer of random mail, keys, and other things. Maybe your children toss their jackets and shoes wherever they want. Don’t clutter your entryway, as that is a germ trap. Consider the following tips to help declutter and clean your entryway:

• Create a designated spot for outdoor footwear, such as a shoe rack, and coats/jackets, such as a coat rack. 
• Remove your shoes when you enter the home. That helps prevent dirt and anything else from entering the home.
• Install a light fixture (even if it is a small lamp) to ensure proper lighting in the entryway. Making it well-lit will make it easier to spot dirty surfaces. 
• Organize your cleaning supplies, such as disinfectant spray and wipes, especially in the entryway. You can keep them on a shelf or in a nearby closet or basket. 

Establish A Disinfecting Routine

There is a difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. Here is a quick break down of what each term means:

• Cleaning is the process of scrubbing a surface with soap and water. It helps remove most but not all, dirt and germs from a surface. 
• Sanitizing involves using a sanitizing spray or diluted bleach solution to reduce the germs on a given surface. You clean and sanitize items and surfaces that come in contact with the mouth, such as toys and food-contact surfaces. Always clean a surface before you sanitize it. 
• Disinfecting is the process of using a stronger bleach solution or chemical cleaner to help get almost all germs off a surface or object. It can be beneficial to clean a surface before disinfecting it. 

Before you start sanitizing and disinfecting, identify your home’s most high-touch surfaces. Doorknobs, countertops, appliance handles, and light switches are great places to start. Take extricate cleaning and disinfecting these surfaces. Keeping a list of things you need to clean can help make tasks more manageable, while alleviating the overwhelming feeling that comes with cleaning. 

Wash Bedding Regularly 

The body naturally sheds sweat and skin cells throughout the day and night. All of that gunk can ultimately build up on soft surfaces around the home, such as your sofa, pillows, blankets, and bedsheets. Aim to change and wash your sheets weekly to help prevent the buildup of bacteria-causing dirt and grime. If you have eczema, or another skin condition, you may want to change and wash sheets twice weekly. Maximize your washing efforts by:

• Using hot water when washing sheets and bedding.
• Getting a second or third set of sheets to make swapping them out easier. 
• Using a high-heat dryer setting to dry your sheets, depending on care instructions.

Check And Change HVAC Filters Frequently

If you have a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home, you have to regularly change the filters to keep the air in your home clean. The frequency at which you need to change filters depends on their thickness. Typically, the filter will tell you how long it lasts. Thicker filters usually last longer and trap more allergens than thinner filters. Some thermostats will remind you to change your filter based on usage. Don’t have an HVAC system? Consider investing in a portable air purifier to help improve indoor air quality. 

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Why are colds, flus, and other respiratory illnesses more common in colder months? People tend to stay indoors, which allows viruses to pass more easily from one person to another. The cold, dry air outside and warm indoor air with poor circulation may weaken the body’s resistance to these viruses.

You may strive to create a germ-free household, but this can prove difficult. That’s why health experts recommend that you set up a disinfecting routine. First, though, you have to understand the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines these terms as follows:

• Cleaning: A process that involves scrubbing a surface with water and soap, which helps remove most, not all, germs and grime from the surface. 
• Sanitizing: A process that uses a diluted bleach solution or sanitizing spray to remove germs from surfaces or objects. Always clean before you sanitize. 
• Disinfecting: A process that uses chemicals or a stronger bleach solution to clear the majority of germs from surfaces or objects. Again, always clean before you disinfect. 

Before you embark on your cleaning journey, identify the most high-touch surfaces in your home. Doorknobs, light switches, countertops, appliance handles, and faucets require frequent cleaning. It’s best to regularly wipe down countertops and other visibly dirty surfaces. 

Wash Linens And Bedding Regularly

Shedding skin cells and sweat is completely natural, whether you are walking around or sleeping. All that grime can build up on soft surfaces in your home, including your pillows, blankets, and bedsheets. Health experts encourage you to change and wash your sheets weekly to prevent bacterial build-up. When you launder your bedding and bed clothes, you can reduce the presence of dust mites or other allergens that can hide in bedding. Get a second or third set of sheets to swap them out more easily. 

Check And Change Your HVAC Filters

If you have a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home, you have to change filters regularly to keep indoor air clean. Some smart thermostats will even remind you to change your filters, which is very helpful. Thicker air filters tend to last longer and trap more allergens or illness-causing particles. Regarding HVAC filters, most companies recommend the following:

• One-inch thick filters: change every 30-60 days. 
• Two-inch thick filters: change every three months.
• Four-inch thick filters: change every six months. 

Manage Humidity Levels

Humidity levels in the home can affect your risk of contracting a virus. According to a study from 2021, moderate humidity levels between 40-60% may reduce the risk of viral transmission. That helps make viruses less likely to survive in the air. Most home thermostats can detect or display indoor humidity levels. If the humidity level drops below 30%, you may want to invest in a humidifier, especially when cold and flu season is around the corner. Additionally, wash your hands and disinfect surfaces more frequently if humidity levels drop.

Declutter Every Night

Some people feel tremendous anxiety if they go to bed without cleaning up their mess. When you wake ups to a tidy room, bathroom, kitchen, and living room, some of that morning stress may not be there. You don’t have to deep clean your house every night, but a minimal cleaning session can go a long way in preparing your mind and body for bed. Put away loose items, wipe down countertops, do all the dishes (or put them in the dishwasher), and don’t leave cosmetics all over the bathroom counter. If all of that seems stressful, consider rounding everything up in a basket and placing that in one spot as a start. 

Revamp Your Entryway

If you walk into your house and don’t remove your shoes, you are tracking dirt and other germs inside. The entryway, be it grand or small, is a place to shed your outside self before fully entering the home. Maybe you toss your jacket somewhere, fling your shoes, and discard your bag aimlessly. A tidy entryway can minimize clutter and help prevent germs from entering the home. Below, you’ll find a few tips to help keep your entryway clean:

• Take off your shoes once you enter your home.
• Use a basket or other receptacle to collect things that don’t belong in the entryway. Empty it regularly.
• Create a designated spot for outdoor footwear, for example, a shoe rack.
• Organize your cleaning supplies, such as disinfectant spray and wipes, and keep them on a nearby shelf near the entryway.
• Install a light to ensure proper lighting in your entryway. This can make it easier to spot dirt or grime when cleaning.

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Winter is almost a distant memory that fades more and more with the arrival of warmer temperatures and blooming flowers. The fresher air makes you want to open the windows and invite the beautiful scents and warmth into the home. Even though it may look fresh and less gloomy outside, the inside of your home may be in shambles. Invite the opportunity and seasonal change into your life with a cleaner home. In fact, this is a long-standing tradition in many cultures. 

Why Do People Deep Clean In Spring?

Spring cleaning stems from several cultures, including Iranian, Chinese, and Jewish. The arrival of the spring equinox on the solar-based calendar is a classic indicator of spring. For Iranians, the spring equinox marks the new year, which consists of festivals and celebrations that symbolize a time of renewal. This theme of “renewal” is common in many cultures, in regards to the new year. It’s a chance to reinvigorate life and start anew. In the two weeks leading up to the new year, Iranians practice “shaking the house.” This involves buying new clothes, getting rid of old clothes, cleaning everything in sight, and ensuring everything in the house is clean for the new year.

In similar fashion, the Chinese clean their homes in anticipation of the new year’s arrival. The belief is that cleaning the house gets rid of any possible bad luck, inviting positive energy into the house when the new year comes. In Jewish culture, Passover commemorates the exodus of the Jews from Egypt. Jewish slaves ate unleavened bread, which they adopted as a reminder of overcoming such hard times. In traditional Jewish culture, keeping leavened bread in the house during Passover is an insult to God. It has become tradition to scour the home for any possible crumbs, cleaning it meticulously before Passover, which comes right after spring. 

While your motivation to clean may not be cultural, there are serious health benefits to deep cleaning the home. Continue reading to learn how spring cleaning can improve your health. 

Reduces The Presence Of Allergens

When you clean the home, your indoor air quality is likely to improve. Clutter, mess, and neglecting to regularly clean results in an accumulation of dust. There are chemicals in dust that trigger allergic reactions, so cleaning the home can reduce the presence of harmful allergens. The home is insulated without opening the windows all winter, so the cleaning and fresh spring air can improve breathing and overall respiratory health.

Encourages A Healthy Lifestyle

When you inhabit a messy space, there’s a higher percentage of being unhealthier. Statistically, people who clean up their houses tend to clean up other areas of their lives. This can lead to better sleep, healthier eating habits, and improved sleep. There’s a link between decluttering, organizing, and cleaning the home and prioritizing your health and overall well-being. You may be surprised how much a good cleaning session inspires you. 

Reduces Stress

Some people will argue that a messy house inspires the chaotic freedom that inspires their creative thoughts. There’s not time for that nonsense. The act of cleaning and inviting organization into your life helps to relieve stress. A messy house can cause stress because you can easily misplace things or purchase things that you already have, but are hiding in the mess. Clutter in the home can also lead to higher anxiety, and cleaning it all up brings about a calmer feeling. 

Less Mess = Less Fatigue

You may not know it until your home is organized and clean, but clutter wears you down. It’s exhausting to have anything and everything occupy your space, be it your workspace or living space. All of the disorganization gathers dust and grime. Take the time to shed the non-essential items in your life. You don’t have to purge your house, but a solid spring cleaning can lift an incredible weight off your shoulders and help you feel lighter, emotionally speaking. Less brings about more happiness, more energy, and more positivity in your life. 

Increases Productivity

The warmer weather often excites people and inspires them to get more done in each day. Shorter days tend to have the opposite effect on people, hence why there is more clutter and dirt in the home during winter. You may notice that you feel the urge to clean as spring gets closer and closer. Now, we don’t advise cleaning the house in a single day because that is exhausting. Take at least one to two weeks to spring clean the entire house, tackling a room or problem area every day. 

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Whether you live in a six-bedroom house or studio apartment, you understand that a home can get dirty in a matter of days. In fact, it’s impressive how quickly dust, stains, or general grime starts to accumulate. It’s up to you to take action and keep the home clean. So what do you do? You go straight for the high-touch surfaces and make sure that they pristine. That is an excellent start, but there are so many neglected areas of the home that require cleaning. 

Spring cleaning has become a trendy movement, and people tend to go into somewhat of a frenzy. Some people decide that a furniture move is important or that getting rid of junk is the primary goal. Others seem to do a general once-over of the counters, fridge, floors, and carpets. This is wonderful, but spring cleaning is the perfect time to address those areas of the home that often go unnoticed. We are talking about every nook and cranny in the home. That means under the couch, the backsplash behind the stove, and the other parts of the home in this article. 

Remember, good health starts with a clean home. Start the spring season on a healthy note by including the following neglected areas in your cleaning routine. 

Base Of Toilets

When is the last time you cleaned the base of your toilet? Chances are that you neglect the base when you clean the seat and the bowl. If you don’t clean it, urine can accumulate, especially in a home with children. Leaving urine at the base of the toilet can harbor germs, while the moisture can increase the risk of mold, which can cause respiratory problems. Use an antibacterial cleaning agent to scrub the base of the toilet so that the porcelain sparkles.

Under The Couch

Unless you have a robot vacuum, chances are that you aren’t cleaning under the couch. Even the robot doesn’t get every square inch under there! Spring is here, which means that you need to move the couch, bed, or other furniture item and get in there. You may need a vacuum and a mop to complete the task. It’s not the most difficult thing to do, but it can be annoying. Get those spots clean once and for all, but don’t continue to neglect them from now on. 

Rugs

Area rugs can accumulate a lot of dirt, dust, and more, especially if they are in high-traffic areas. If you have pets, their hair doesn’t come off with each vacuuming session either. For small rugs that are machine washable, read the directions and toss them in the washer. For larger rugs, you may need a separate piece of machinery or plan of attack to deep clean them. Check the material of the rug and research how to wash it before you just go for it. The last thing you want to do is ruin a rug and have to buy a new one.

Windowsills

It’s common to see dust on windowsills, but mold can easily grow in these areas. Unfortunately, many homeowners or renters don’t consider this when it comes to cleaning. Mold spores are very small, discolored areas on the windowsills. If you don’t regularly clean them, it’s possible to damage your windows and indoor air quality. People with mold allergies or respiratory conditions have a higher risk of experiencing symptoms in regards to mold accumulation. It’s best to clean mold and condensation from windowsills with bleach diluted with water. Be sure to wear protective gloves and a mask. 

The Curtains

Sure, curtains help to keep out the sunlight and the rest of the world from looking in, but they are dust traps. You could make the argument that a curtain’s sole purpose is to collect dust. Most people don’t realize how dusty they are until they give them a quick shake and see the dust linger in the sunlight. Depending on the type of curtains you have, you may want to have a professional do the job. Some curtains, however, are machine washable and you can clean them yourself. 

HVAC Filters

If you have central ventilation, heating, or an air-conditioning system in your home, you should change the filter regularly. Most filters should be changed every three months, so be sure to check if you are overdue. Filters work to catch particles that affect indoor air quality, including animal allergens, mold spores, and pollen. If you don’t change your filters, they can fill up and become less effective. 

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Heat waves and record high temperatures present one primary challenge for people: how is it possible to stay cool? This proves more difficult if there is no air conditioning. To avoid rolling blackouts, some cities or counties advise people with air conditioning units to use more eco-friendly temperatures. That’s fine and great, but not everyone has functioning AC, or some people want to simply save energy and money by avoiding AC usage. 

With record high temperatures of 105-115º F, it’s very easy to feel uncomfortable all the time. Not to mention, going outside seems like an impossible task. The heat from the cement seems to warm your feet through the soles of your shoes. Opening windows may not even let in a refreshing breeze. Occasionally, in fact, it may feel more like opening an oven door, depending on where you live. 

To help people beat the summer heat without air conditioning, use the following tips and tricks. You may find that hot and sticky summer days and nights become more bearable, refreshing even. Let us know if they work for you in the comments below. 

Cold Compresses Keep You Cool

If the heat is getting to you, apply a few cold compresses or ice packs to key areas on the body. When you feel overheated, apply ice packs to the back of the neck, lower back, and wrists. Do not apply ice packs or ice directly to the skin, as it can result in ice burn. Place a thin layer of cloth between the cold and your skin, preferably an old shirt or something of that nature. It’s also beneficial to take a cold shower to cool down, especially before bed. 

Keep The Blinds Down And Curtains Shut

The darker you keep your house or apartment, the cooler it will stay when it’s hot outside. It’s wonderful and healthy to let natural light in your home, but reconsider that when it’s blazing hot outside. Heat can linger at night if you let sun rays in during the day. When it gets cooler at night, your home will cool off much more quickly than if it was light all day inside the house. 

Get Creative With Fans

Fans don’t just blow air around, and if you think that’s all they do, prepare to have your mind blown. If you have a box fan, face it out against an open window so that it pushes out hot air that’s in the house. You can also adjust ceiling fans to have the blades spin counterclockwise, which helps draw hot air in an upwards motion. Position fans in a specific way to create more of a cross-breeze in your home. Set up multiple fans around the room, with one by an open window, to create optimal airflow. 

Old School Tip: Place a tray of ice cubes in front of your fan and face it in your direction. The fan will provide a chilled breeze by picking up the cold that emanates from the ice. 

Always Have Water With You

When it’s hot outside the body sweats at a rapid rate, which puts the body at a higher risk of experiencing dehydration. The body loses not only water via sweat, but also essential electrolytes. To counteract the water loss, make sure to always replenish with cold water. Regular water intake helps to counteract dehydration and heatstroke or heat exhaustion. If you feel thirsty then you are already in a mild state of dehydration. Get ahead of dehydration by drinking water before you feel thirsty.

Avoid The Meat Sweats

During summer, it’s common to grill large amounts of meat and eat until you can no longer move. Instead of heavy, meat-centric dinners, opt for smaller dinners that are easier to digest. When you ingest a lot of meat, it takes a toll on the body, making it work harder to break down the food. Swap out a large steak for a plate of whole grains, vegetables and legumes. Additionally, don’t eat two to three hours before you go to bed because eating late can make you feel hot or sweaty when trying to go to sleep. 

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There are some people who dislike the beach or hiking in the forest, but the majority of people thrive in nature. It is very common to feel recharged and more relaxed after visiting nature, but it is rare to feel it now that most people live in urban environments. Man-made interiors, synthetic fabrics, and chemical-laden products are part of the modern-day norm, but you can break free from the mold. 

If you, like many others, have a newfound love for the natural world, there are ways to invite more of it inside your home. Some of you are probably familiar with indoor plants or even have some of your own. Maybe you notice a new leaf from a plant you’ve been attending to, or perhaps you observe when certain leaves get too much sun. There’s even a chance that you feel more centered and grounded when you walk barefoot in the grass. 

Invite More Nature Into Your Home

The desire to reconnect with nature has never been stronger. The world is technologically driven, so it makes sense! Incorporating more nature into your home is more than adding a houseplant to your office. You can have an indoor herb garden, purchase natural, tactile texture, and use raw exposed woods for shelving. You can even consider eucalyptus or bamboo sheets for a more eco-friendly, soft touch to the skin. 

We are no stranger to the moss wall or terra-cotta pots, but these things aren’t for everyone. Consider the following tips to help bring nature into your home and let us know which ones you like the best. You may already be doing some of these things!

Check Your Labels For Cotton

One of the easiest things you can start to do is buy 100% cotton clothing. Not only is cotton a more sustainable fabric than synthetic materials, but it is also 100% recyclable and occasionally biodegradable. Cotton shirts, for example, are much more durable, easy to clean, and get more comfortable over time. Beyond the sustainability aspect, cotton is breathable, lightweight, soft, and cozy. Whether you have cozy bed sheets, billowing curtains, or knitted blankets, cotton is a soothing vibe and a great natural fiber to have in your home. 

Create A Beautiful View With Natural Landscape Prints

If the view from your window is a sea of buildings, invite some natural beauty into the room with a dreamy landscape print. According to several studies, looking at green landscapes helps to calm the mind, improve productivity, and relieve stress. Some researchers note that both moss walls and botanical prints bring life to a room. There are even some furniture pieces that are environmentally-rooted! There’s nothing wrong with having a simple desk plant, either!

Become A Plant Parent

When you become a plant parent, you understand the struggles of caring for a plant. If you are new to plants, ask someone which plants are best for indoors and which ones are low-maintenance. Many indoor plants can help improve air quality and reduce stress, all the while providing amazing natural decor. You can get a potted plant for your desk or buy a hanging plant for a shelf. Hanging plants can truly make you feel like you are in a jungle abode! If simple plants are not your cup of tea, consider a garden of microgreens. 

Choose Tactile Textures For A Tranquil Kitchen

Trying to incorporate more of the biophilia trend into your home? Choose sustainably sourced natural materials and furniture that connect you more with the outside world. When planning a kitchen, for example, choose hard materials that exist in the natural world. Contrasting wooden herringbone flooring and a striking marble countertop or backsplash can add calming dynamics and patterns to your home. You’ll find that natural flooring, cork, or bamboo help ground you more than cement flooring does. 

Divide Your Space With A Plant Rail

Hanging plants are great because they grow up and down out of their pots. They can truly transform your space, making it feel like you are in a jungle. A room divider can be as simple as a hanging device, from which you can hang plants. You can use such a divider in your office, bedroom, or dining room. It essentially acts as a wall between two spaces, yet it blends perfectly within the space. Decorating your home with plants means that they’ll release more oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. Depending on the type of plant, it may or may not boost your mood and reduce stress levels.

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